Well, it's looking like the NYGP15 were actually not in danger. People were working on little information, much of it inaccurate. I of course subscribe to the idea of "planning for the worst and hoping for the best" when it comes to animal safety, and so I don't feel like anyone made a mistake--if the guinea pigs actually were in danger, and the time frame was extremely limited, this would have been right to publicize. But as it turned out to be inaccurate, I apologize to the Veterinary Department, both staff and students, for this error. I do not discourage people in the future from notifying me, or very preferably, their local animal rescue, animal control, USDA division, or the appropriate party about any endangered animals.
Below is the email I received from the chair of the Veterinary Sciences department. I'm reprinting it in full, unmodified (unless indicated by brackets, and then solely for googling purposes), so as to rectify the false press I gave the department.
"To all concerned individuals:
"I appreciate your concern for the well being of the Guinea Pigs in our animal colony and your interest in finding appropriate homes for the animals which are no longer needed for our Veterinary Technology classes at SUNY-Delhi during the Fall semester. As stated in your web-site, we are also concerned with the placement of animals in healthy caring environments and avoiding animals being acquired and kept in poor conditions. As a result, the Veterinary Technology Program at Delhi has an adoption program which has been approved by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee which involves the submission of an Adoption Application for review by appropriate department personnel before animals leave our facility.
"As stated in the correspondences which are listed through the web-site, the Veterinary Technology Departments Br[33]ding Colony Management course does have some guinea pigs available for adoption. These animals have been cared for by students in this class which is coming to an end with the end of the semester. We need to maintain animals for use in, or to produce animals for, classes being offered during the Spring,'08 semester. The "surplus" guinea pigs are available for adoption to approved individuals. We want to insure that these animals are placed with individuals or families who will provide a safe and healthy environment to meet the animals well being.
"Over the past several weeks the students in the Br[33]ding Colony Management course have been preparing an adoption program for these animals - many of them have already been spoken for. The students have edited the Adoption Application form to meet the specific needs of this species. They have prepared a Guinea Pig Care Guide for these pets so that the new owners will be aware of their needs and information appropriate to Guinea Pig ownership. They are also prepared to provide the new owners with "starter kits" with food and bedding, and supply them with a transport box so that the transition to their new home produces as little trauma as possible. For those animals which do not have homes secured, the students in the class will be promoting adoption at the Vet Tech student organizations - NYSAVT, holiday activity - Pet Pictures with Santa, being held on Wednesday evening. Interested families may see the Guinea Pigs who are available for adoption, complete an Adoption Application, and if approved, take the animals with them along with the materials provided for their care by the students. If the new owners are not prepared to take their new pet at that time, we will hold them until they can provide them with an appropriate living environment.
"The on-campus "contact person", nor anyone else who is concerned about these animals, has not made much effort to contact anyone who is "in charge" of these animals. Both myself and the principle instructor for the course have e-mail addresses and phone numbers which are published on the colleges web-site. I check both of these systems regularly, including throughout the weekend. All of our animals are cared for at least daily, including weekends and holidays. We try to impress upon our students that the care of the animals takes priority over all other personal activities. The well being of all of the animals in our facility is paramount to all the members of the Veterinary Technology Program!
"Anyone who is interested in information about the Guinea Pigs which are available for adoption and submitting an Adoption Application may contact me (unfortunately I do not have an Adoption Application file which I can attach to this e-mail). If you have any questions about this matter or would like information about Delhi's Veterinary Technology Program, please feel fr33 to contact me. Although I have a full day of classes on Wednesday, I will make every effort to respond as soon as possible during this very busy last week of classes.
"Again, I appreciate your concern about these animals, we would also like to have these animals adopted to caring homes.
"Sincerely,
[first name removed]. Franks, LVT LATG
Associate Professor and Department Chair
Veterinary Science Technology Department
State University of New York
Delhi, New York 13753"
Email and first name withheld due to spambots, but if you would like to contact Prof. Franks his information is available at the school's website.
helpful links: Quality Hay and Pellets in bulk & Pampering your Pig & Cheaper, Larger Cages & Bedding & Essential Guinea Supplies & Proper Diet & Cavy Savvy Vets & "What's Normal? What's Not?" & "What is Rescuing and Adopting?" & Guinea Pigs in PA/NY/NJ/WV
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